A Kenyan woman from Migori County has made a desperate appeal for help to return home after enduring months of alleged abuse, deprivation and fear while living in Malawi with her lover.
Quinter Akoth, a mother of one, says she relocated to the southern African country three months ago with her 10-year-old daughter after meeting a man online and believing she was beginning a new chapter in her life.
However, the hope and excitement that marked her move quickly faded as the relationship turned violent.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Quinter claimed that her partner became physically abusive and emotionally manipulative shortly after she settled in.
She said beatings became frequent, and she later discovered that the man was involved with several other women, further straining their relationship.
Before leaving Kenya, Quinter sold most of her household belongings to finance the move, a decision she now deeply regrets.
“Even if I return home today, I will be starting life from zero,” she said, adding that the uncertainty of rebuilding her life has been overwhelming.
Her situation worsened two weeks ago after she discovered she was pregnant.
Quinter also alleged that her partner confiscated her passport at one point, forcing her to report the matter to the police.
Although the document was later returned, she says the mistreatment continued.
Currently unemployed and without any financial support, Quinter claims she and her daughter are often hungry and rely on the kindness of strangers to survive.
In a bid to seek protection, she reported the matter to the social welfare office in Lilongwe. However, she alleges that no meaningful assistance followed, despite authorities summoning her partner.
“He was ordered to facilitate my transport back to Kenya, but it has been empty promises for almost two weeks now,” she said.
With her residency permit set to expire on December 24, time is quickly running out. Quinter also revealed she is battling high blood pressure and deteriorating mental health due to stress and depression.
All she is asking for, she says, is help to return to Kenya, where she hopes to find safety, support and a chance to rebuild her life away from abuse.
